Mon, 01 Aug 2011

We went exploring around the upper Skyline-to-the-Sea trail yesterday.
The mysterious chlorine smell was very evident, for the first time
this year. Usually I've first noticed it in early July or even June,
but although we had some very hot weather in early June this year,
it wasn't enough to bring out the smell. I've made no progress in
identifying it, but I continue to
suspect
tanoaks as the chlorine culprit.

It was a good day for reptiles, too. We surprised the biggest
ring-necked snake I've ever seen -- well over two feet long and
thicker than my thumb (which admittedly isn't saying much).
It hastened off the trail before I could get the camera out.
Then back at home, I found a small young alligator lizard splayed
out in the shade on the sidewalk of our back yard. We've occasionally
had alligator lizards here before, but never such a small one.
Again, no picture; instead we just watched as it made its way across
the yard to hide under the rosemary. I hope it stays around.